LOCALIZED DEEP SOFT AREA OF A TRIM PANEL

• US 20100171333A1
• Filed: 01/03/2008
• Published: 07/08/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yanfeng Czechia Automotive Interior Systems s.r.o.
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Pokorzynski, Tony M., Fox, Bart W., Smith, Nels R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,530,028 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/1.80
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/18 incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles B29C43/206 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14811 Multilayered articles B29C45/14827 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/78 Moulding material on one side only of the preformed part
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2715/003 Cellular or porous
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3005 Body finishings
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3041 Trim panels
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/02 Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners B60R13/01 takes precedence ; padded linings for the vehicle interior B60R21/04; arrangements or adaptations of floor mats or carpets in vehicles B60N3/04; internal lining for trains B61D17/18
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2013/0281 made of a plurality of visible parts
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24033 including stitching and discrete fastener[s], coating or bond
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249981 Plural void-containing components

Abstract

A trim panel and method of forming a trim panel for a vehicle. The trim panel can include a localized cushioned portion of softness (150) at pre-selected locations on the panel.

Claims

1. A method of forming in a mold a trim panel having a localized cushioned area comprising:

providing a preform laminate comprising a compressible material sandwiched between a flexible skin and a back skin;

coupling an extra foam pad to the preform laminate at a pre-selected portion of the preform laminate;

positioning the preform laminate in the mold;

compressing the compressible material by introducing a molten polymeric material to the mold to form a substrate and bonding the substrate to at least a portion of the preform laminate to form the trim panel; and

removing the trim panel from the mold.

2. The method of claim 1 including the step of stitching the extra foam to the preform laminate at a predetermined location.

3. The method of claim 1 including the step of providing a graining feature on the flexible skin in the secondary area.

4. The method of claim 1 including the step of creating a crease along a boundary to simulate a seam and provide a contour change with the appearance of cushioning in the secondary area.

5. A trim panel for a vehicle comprising:

a preform laminate comprising a compressible material sandwiched between a flexible skin and a back skin;

an extra foam pad coupled to the preform laminate at a pre-selected portion of the preform laminate; and

a substrate coupled to at least a portion of the preform laminate.

6. The trim panel of claim 5 including a stitch feature positioned along the seam and configured to secure the extra foam pad to the preform laminate.

7. The trim panel of claim 5 including a graining feature on the flexible skin in the secondary area.

8. The trim panel of claim 5, including a crease along a boundary simulating a seam and establishing a contour change having an appearance in the secondary area different than in the primary area.

9. A method of forming in a mold a trim panel, comprising:

providing a preform laminate comprising a compressible material and a flexible skin;

positioning the preform laminate in the mold;

compressing the compressible material by introducing a molten polymeric material to the mold to form a substrate and bonding the substrate to at least a portion of the preform laminate to form the trim panel, wherein the preform laminate folds to create a crease along a boundary to simulate a seam and provide a contour change.

10. The method of claim 9, including the step of stitching the extra foam to the preform laminate at a predetermined location.

11. The method of claim 9 including the step of providing a graining feature on the flexible skin in the secondary area.

12. A trim panel for a vehicle comprising:

a preform laminate comprising a compressible material and a flexible skin; and

a substrate coupled to at least a portion of the preform laminate,

wherein the preform laminate defines a crease along a boundary to simulate a seam and provide a contour change.